and some more:
"Sorry for the second email but below is additional information regarding boat launches:
ON BACKGROUND from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP)
New York State recognizes the importance of recreation and continues to encourage the public to get outside locally and responsibly to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To support the alignment of policies in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and the region’s ongoing response to COVID-19, on April 18, Empire State Development issued updated guidance on marinas and the use of boats that removed the temporary suspension on the use of boat launches for recreation.
Access to boat launches will be allowed if strict adherence to the CDC/New York State Department of Health guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19 is followed:
• Try to keep at least six feet of distance between you and others.
• Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands.
• Wash hands often or use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as rails, posts, and tie off cleats.
In addition, starting April 17, New Yorkers are required to wear masks in public when appropriate social distancing cannot be maintained.
When boating and fishing, DEC and State Parks recommend New Yorkers to #RecreateLocal, avoid busy waters, and follow the guidelines on DEC's website about recreating and fishing responsibly in New York State. If an angler arrives at a parking lot and there are several cars, they should consider going to another parking lot. If an angler is fishing upstream, they should fish downstream of the other angler or consider fishing another day. Do not share a car, boat, canoe, or kayak with people not in your household while traveling to fishing or boating sites. Anglers fishing from boats should always be able to maintain at least six feet of distance between one another. For more information about the benefits of being outdoors safely and responsibly, go to DEC's website:
https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/119881.html.
New York's waters remain cold throughout the spring. Life jacket wear is required through May 1 on pleasure boats less than 21 feet long and dressing in layers is recommended to avoid hypothermia. Boaters should be alert at all times and follow the rules of the nautical road. Under Brianna's law, all operators of motorized vessels must take a safe boating course and earn a safe boating certificate by 2025. For information on recreational boating in New York, visit:
https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/boating/ The essential business guidance continues to determine that commercial fishing remains essential, but fishing charters and guides are not. Decisions about the operation of municipally owned boat launches will be made by the municipality.
Take care,
Jessica
Jessica Best
Fisheries Biologist, Hudson River Estuary Program/Cornell University
Division of Marine Resources
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
21 S. Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561
P: (845) 256-3009 | F: (845) 255-1701 | jessica.best@dec.ny.gov
www.dec.ny.gov | |
